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Swatch-Audemars Piguet watch launch ignites global chaos, tear gas fired in Paris

From New York to Milan, buyers push and shove to get their hands on the ‘Royal Pop’ timepieces.

Published: 5:18pm, 19 May 2026

The launch of the exclusive pocket Swatch watch collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, descended into chaos on May 16, 2026, in several Asian cities, as well as in Europe and the United States. In Paris and New York, police used tear gas and pepper spray to control unruly crowds.

Swatch-Audemars Piguet watch launch ignites global chaos, tear gas fired in Paris

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From New York to Milan, buyers push and shove to get their hands on the ‘Royal Pop’ timepieces.

From New York to Milan, buyers push and shove to get their hands on the ‘Royal Pop’ timepieces.